Construction for the Baishatun Mazu Hospital (白沙屯媽祖醫院) broke ground this Tuesday, with President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) delivering the ceremony address.

The hospital, which will be located next to Gongtian Temple in Baishatun, Miaoli County, is expected to improve the overall health and well-being of coastal residents, Lai said, symbolizing “triple success” in Miaoli’s medical construction in addition to the Health Ministry’s Miaoli General Hospital and Da Chien General Hospital.

Lai noted that Miaoli officials were seeking help solving the county’s medical problems when he became the DPP chair in 2022, which prompted him to instruct Premier Cho Jung-tai (卓榮泰) to strongly support the county’s medical development. He expressed hope that all sectors will work together to realize his “Healthy Taiwan” vision.

Lai is the first president with a medical background and has created several initiatives and goals centered around making the Taiwanese population healthier since taking office, including specific goals regarding cancer, chronic diseases, and life expectancy.

President Lai said, “Our three hospitals in Miaoli have already improved their service standards, and health services in Miaoli are gradually being implemented. Let’s set a goal. I’m asking President Hsu, Dean Tung, and all colleagues at the Health Ministry and hospital to work together in this direction.”